PASADENA, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2022) – In the wake of a season marked by unprecedented challenges met with tremendous success, Caltech Men's Basketball is set to return to the hardwood with a new look and a familiar drive.
The first season back after the 2020-21 season's cancellation was unlike any other, as the Beavers were at times restricted from their usual practice facilities and routines, but while some games required rescheduling, Caltech was able to play every game of their campaign without any cancellations. This full slate of competitions allowed the Beavers to find their rhythm and leave their mark on the basketball landscape as well as the Caltech record books.
"We had too many successes to write about last season, but above anything, the senior class led us to yet another season of records and magnificent moments," Head Coach
Dr. Oliver Eslinger said. "The team set a record for wins while finishing atop the league in several categories."
They certainly did, opening the year with a thrilling two-point victory over Occidental College in front of a physically distanced and basketball-starved Braun Gym crowd, and later the Beavers went on a seven-game winning streak, tying a 1953-54 school record of five consecutive wins against NCAA opponents. And of course, one win reigns supreme in recent Caltech lore, as the Beavers came from behind in the waning seconds of their home game against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges, holding on for a 61-60 victory. In defeating the Stags for the first time since 1970-71, Coach Eslinger has now won against every team in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). On the stat sheet, the team set program records for most points scored, three-pointers, offensive rebounds and total rebounds.
These Beavers featured a legendary senior class whose contributions will certainly missed but also celebrated for years to come. Among them was
Marcus Gee (Santa Monica, Calif. / Santa Monica), who earned First Team All-SCIAC honors after establishing himself as Caltech's all-time leader in career points and three-point field goals. Classmate
Spencer Schneider (Houston, Texas / Clearbrook) also highlighted by winning the prestigious Ted Ducey Award by a vote by the SCIAC coaches, and surpassing 1000 points and 500 rebounds in his career. Along with
Ethan Eason (Mercer Island, Wash. / Mercer Island),
Noah Barnes (Springfield, Va. / Jefferson), and
Stephen Hei (Newcastle, Wash. / Liberty), Eslinger said they set a new standard for dedication and excellence.
But there is much to anticipate this year from the returning Beavers along with the newcomers joining their ranks.
Chase Pagon (Solana Beach, Calif. / Santa Fe Christian) was one of the team's top rebounders and stealers, even notching a double-double against UC San Diego.
Eslinger said the 2022-23 squad will have a different look and style, but fundamental concepts would remain. Taking pride in defensive prowess, teamwork and team chemistry, and leaning into their collective strengths will be key to the team's growth and development. He elaborated, "It's our mentality that sets us apart. We will have good size up front, big wings, and strong guards.
Pavlos Stavrinides,
Ben Juarez, and
Riley Wood will anchor the paint with scoring, playmaking, and defense.
Kyle McGraw and Chase bring great experience on the perimeter while
Jack Pierson and
Richard Wang can rip it from deep.
Evan Portnoi will be ready to compete and lead with his scoring and athleticism, and Leo and James add to our foundation as guys who can shoot and see the game."
Welcoming the Newcomers
Noah Hicks
6'2" Guard
Oxford, Ga. / George Walton Academy
Siddhartha Shendrikar
5'10" Guard
Los Angeles / New Roads School
Coach quote: "Noah Hicks and Siddhartha Shendrikar are big-time first-year players, both with lots of solid experience. They'll be ready to step in and contribute immediately."
2022-23 Schedule
Caltech will open the regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 9 in Eagle Rock, as Occidental College plays host to this year's 110 Rivalry game after falling to the Beavers in last year's fiery rendition. Then on Saturday, Nov. 12 the team will face Illinois Tech in a late afternoon home opener at the Braun Gym, followed by another home tilt against Bethesda University (Anaheim, Calif.) on Thursday, Nov. 17. After that is Caltech's trip up the coast to UC Santa Cruz on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, for a game against the host Banana Slugs as well as a neutral-site game against Linfield University (Portland, Ore.).
The Beavers will open up December on the road, beginning on Thursday, Dec. 1 at West Coast Baptist (Lancaster, Calif.), returning home and continuing with a rematch with UCSC on Sunday, Dec. 4. SCIAC play commences on Wednesday, Dec. 14 against Whittier College, before a Monday rematch against Bethesda on Dec. 19. The Beavers wrap the calendar year on Friday, Dec. 30 against the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Heading into 2023 and the rest of the SCIAC contests, Caltech faces the University of Redlands on Wednesday, Jan. 4 and then California Lutheran University on Saturday, Jan. 7. The following week has the Beavers at home to face the University of La Verne on Wednesday, Jan. 11, and then Orange Out day on Saturday, Jan. 14 against CMS. A pair of road games will follow beginning on Monday, Jan. 16 at Occidental, and Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges. The Beavers wind down that three-game week at home on Saturday, Jan. 21 against Chapman University. The final week of January is another pair of roadies to start the second half of the SCIAC campaign, Wednesday, Jan. 25 at La Verne and Saturday, Jan. 28 at CMS.
The first week of February has Caltech at home Wednesday, Feb. 1 to host Redlands, and Saturday, Feb. 4 against Cal Lutheran. After a Wednesday off, the Beavers head to Whittier to face the Poets once more on Saturday, Feb. 11. Caltech's final two home games of the regular season are on Wednesday, Feb. 15 against Pomona-Pitzer and Saturday, Feb. 18 versus Occidental for Senior Day. The Beavers finish on the road at Chapman on Tuesday, Feb. 21, with the SCIAC tournament to follow.
